Easy Stuffed Dates with Walnuts & Cream Cheese Frosting

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Make these easy stuffed dates with walnuts and homemade cream cheese buttercream frosting. A nostalgic, not-too-sweet treat perfect for holidays, gifting, and party platters.

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If you grew up with old-fashioned holiday treats, these Stuffed Dates with Walnuts & Cream Cheese Frosting will feel wonderfully nostalgic. They’re chewy, creamy, lightly sweet, and the perfect example of how simple, whole ingredients can create something incredibly special. This is one of those recipes my family has made for generations—always appearing on Christmas trays, Thanksgiving dessert boards, and tucked into gift boxes for neighbors and teachers.

Using Deglet Noor dates (not the oversized Medjool), a touch of homemade cream cheese buttercream frosting, crunchy walnuts, and a snowy roll in powdered sugar, these stuffed dates strike the ideal balance: flavorful, festive, and not too sweet. Just the way I love my desserts.

This recipe makes a big batch—about 50 stuffed dates—which is perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or prepping ahead for busy hosting days. You can obviously make less, you would just use less dates and then save that extra homemade cream cheese frosting for spreading on some pumpkin muffins, or a pineapple zucchini cake.

Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Dates

• Whole-food based: Naturally sweet dates + real cream cheese + nuts.
• Perfectly balanced: Walnuts and the tangy cream cheese frosting cut the sweetness of the dates and powdered sugar, giving each bite a rich, layered flavor.
• No baking required: Quick and easy to make, even in large batches.
• Great for gifting: They pack beautifully in tins, boxes, or jars.
• Freezer-friendly: Keep some on hand for last-minute guests or holiday parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 50 Deglet Noor dates
  These are smaller and firmer than Medjool dates, making them the perfect size for stuffing.
• 1 to 1½ cups walnuts
• About ½ batch of my Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting
• 2 to 2½ cups powdered sugar

How to Make Stuffed Dates (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the dates:
   Using a small paring knife, slice each Deglet Noor date lengthwise on one side to open it like a little pocket. Remove any pits if needed. I always try to buy the pitted dates to make this step easier.
2. Dip the walnuts:
   Grab a walnut half and dip it right into the cream cheese buttercream frosting. Your fingers will absolutely get messy—I’ve tried every trick and there’s just no avoiding it. Honestly? Lean into it. It’s the kind of messy fun kids love helping with!
3. Stuff each date:
   Nestle the frosted walnut into the opened date. Press gently to close it around the filling.
4. Roll in powdered sugar:
   Place the stuffed date into a bowl of powdered sugar and roll until fully coated. It should look snowy and festive.
5. Repeat:
   Continue until all 50 dates are stuffed and coated.
6. Chill or serve:
   You can serve them immediately, but chilling them for 30 minutes helps the frosting set and the flavors meld.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Dates

• Use Deglet Noor dates: Medjool dates are delicious but too large and soft for this recipe.
• Keep the frosting cold: If your kitchen is warm, chill the frosting for 10–15 minutes before dipping the walnuts.
• Shake off excess sugar: A little powdered sugar goes a long way.
• Make ahead: These get even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Flavor Variations

Want to switch it up? Try:

• Coconut rolled dates: Roll in shredded coconut instead of powdered sugar.
• Cinnamon sugar dates: Adds a warm, cozy flavor—perfect for fall and Christmas.
• Orange-zest walnut dates: Add zest to the frosting or sprinkle it over the finished dates.
• Chocolate dipped: Dip half the date in melted dark chocolate. Stunning on holiday trays.
• Pecan or hazelnut swap: Any firm nut works beautifully.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days. – Recommended
• Freezer: Freeze in layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months. Allow 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.
• Gifting: Pack them in parchment-lined tins or treat boxes for a beautiful, homemade holiday gift.

Serving Ideas

These stuffed dates shine on:

• Holiday dessert boards
• Charcuterie-style sweet & savory platters
• Afternoon snacks with coffee or chai
• Christmas cookie tins
• Neighbor or teacher gifts
• After-dinner bites during fall and winter gatherings